2.6. Textural analysis Instron Universal Testing machine (Instron Corporation, Canton, MA) equipped with a 500 N load cell was used in hardness testing of the fried chicken nugget samples. Hardness was tested by allowing a 9-pin probe to penetrate a specified depth of the chicken nuggets at a cross-head speed of 300 mm/min. The data obtained were in the form of maximum load that were recorded at a rate of 5 readings per second. Although a 9-pin probe was used, only 6 pins penetrated the sample due to the size of the chicken nuggets. All the samples were tested within 10 min after frying. The samples were punched twice, once for each side of the sample. The parameters for hardness test were programmed and stored for later analysis using the Instron Series IX Automated Materials Testing System software package.